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U.S. hopes for fair poll in Bangladesh

Haroon Habib

DHAKA: United States Assistant Secretary Richard A. Boucher met key political leaders of Bangladesh, including President-cum-caretaker Government Chief Iajuddin Ahmed on Sunday and conveyed Washington's support to the caretaker Government in holding a successful general election.

"The situation here is difficult, but the goal is free and fair elections. I don't think military takeover does contribute to the goal. That will be a bad thing to do," Mr. Boucher told a press conference at the American Club. Mr. Boucher, who met Mr. Ahmed after his interaction with the former Prime Ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, said the caretaker Government has also a great responsibility to carry out its task in a neutral manner.

Earlier on Saturday, after meeting Foreign Secretary Hemayetuddin, Mr. Boucher said, "The United States hopes to see a free, fair and non-violent election in Bangladesh. The caretaker Government has a big task ahead ... the Election Commission needs to be free of influence".

Terming Dhaka-Washington relations as excellent, he said the U.S. would continue its cooperation with Bangladesh, no matter whatever Government is elected.

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